The NHS currently funds orthodontic treatment for children under the age of 18 years old who require orthodontic treatment for dental health reasons. We have experience working with the diagnosing of these health reasons and filing the appropriate paperwork. To see if your child is fit for these services, we offer a free NHS assessment following a referral from your family dentist. Your family dentist will need to refer your child for an NHS assessment. Usually this will only be considered once all the baby teeth have gone.
Please note that an NHS orthodontic assessment and treatment is not available to patients aged 18 and over, have previously had NHS orthodontic treatment or those with mild orthodontic problems.
NHS orthodontic treatment is normally for cases where there is impaction of teeth, severe crowding, missing teeth or protrusion of incisors. Eligibility is determined by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). This index scores the need for treatment based on the potential impact on dental health. Treatment for more cosmetic problems is not available on the NHS.
Should a patient not qualify for NHS funding we will always work with you to try to find the most affordable solution available. If you’d like to find out more, we welcome you to book a complimentary consultation where we’ll explore all of your options.
Download our referral guidelines Book your free consultation
NHS funding for orthodontic care is capped nationally and we are only given a limited amount of funding each year. For those patients who qualify and wish to seek NHS treatment, they will join a waiting list, which is currently over two years for non-urgent cases. In order to be placed on the waiting list, your child must be developmentally ready and suitable for orthodontic treatment, i.e. no baby teeth are remaining and they have good dental health.
Private orthodontic care is also available for children and we make every effort to ensure your custom treatment plan is tailored to fit your budget.
Benefits include:
At Pallant Orthodontics, we’ve treated countless young people, helping them find the confidence to smile. Listen to some of our younger patients describe their experience.
If your teenager is nearing the cut-off age for NHS treatment and you’re concerned they won’t reach the top of the waiting list while they’re eligible, we’d be happy to treat them privately.
Find out more about Invisalign® options for your teenager.
Book a free consultation
